Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer says Melbourne Stars are beatable

Brad Elborough

Craig Simmons of the Scorchers hits out during the Big Bash League. Photo: Getty Images

Justin Langer does not see the Perth Scorchers final KFC Big Bash clash against the unbeaten Melbourne Stars as 'mission impossible'.

The Scorchers coach says the star-studded Stars line-up is beatable.

"I don't see it like mission impossible," Langer said of the January 27 game at the MCG.

"At the end of the day, if you want to win the BBL and win the final, you've got to beat the best teams. They've just got pure talent and if you look at their side, it's like they're the Harlem Globetrotters.

Advertisement

"You couldn't find a hole in their depth; they've got great talent and they've got experience.

"If you look down their list, they'd be one of the most experienced teams in the BBL and you guys have heard me say for some time now, it's an old man's game, Twenty20 cricket, and that experience is helping them a lot."

With the top two sides on the ladder after qualifying games winning the right to host their respective semi-finals, the Scorchers may need to win the game against the Stars to return to the WACA Ground for the finals.

The Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers, who play the bottom-ranked Sydney Thunder in the final qualifying round, each five wins from their seven games.

The Stars are unbeaten after only six games, with their round seven clash against the the Hobart Hurricanes being played Tuesday night.

That Stars team includes three of the current Australian One Day team - Clint McKay, James Faulkner and Glenn Maxwell - as well as other household names, including Cameron White, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Jackson Bird, John Hastings, Matthew Wade and Rob Quiney.

Langer said the game against the Stars was a chance to get a good look at them, with the likelihood they will meet again in the finals.

"It's going to be nice to get, I guess, a warm-up next week against them and get a feel for them," he said.

"I think they're beatable, every team is beatable, and if we keep playing with the fighting spirit we keep playing with, then there's no reason we can't beat the Stars as well."

A repeat of Craig Simmons record-breaking century that he hit against the Adelaide Strikers on Thursday will go a long way to seeing the upset happen.

Simmons hit the fastest Big Bash century, getting to 101 from just 39 balls. He was out for 102 from 41 balls. His last 87 runs came from just 31 balls after a slow start. It was the seventh fastest T20 century ever.

Langer said that despite Simmons being classed as a veteran at 31 years of age, the T20 concept gives him a chance to forge an international career in the format.

"You couldn't dream up an innings like that, it was just magnificent," Langer said."It just goes to show the talent he's got. If you keep some faith in people, they'll eventually come good.

"The tell-tale sign for me was when he got his 50 and you could see the feeling on the bench, he's such a popular guy and people want to see people like him do well.

"He's been outstanding in club cricket the last few years.

"Confidence is a wonderful thing and you always get to a point in your career where you go, 'You know what, I can make it at this level', but you've got to do something to get that.

"He's only 31-years-old; you've got Brad Hodge at 42, Brad Hogg at 43 and guys like Simon Katich and [Mike] Hussey still playing.